Koch companies and their employees serve their communities in many ways – as volunteers, mentors or lending a helping hand to those in need.

In 2011, the Kansas in Miniature exhibit at Exploration Place received much-needed restoration and repair made possible by a $50,000 gift from Koch Industries, Inc. Koch Industries and the Fred and Mary Koch Foundation provided $1 million in funding to help launch Exploration Place when it opened in Wichita, Kan., in 2000. View slideshow.

Along with our employees, Koch companies provide financial and in-kind support, time and talent to add value in our communities. Our philanthropic efforts focus on programs that advance learning and education; protect, conserve and enhance natural resources; improve quality of life; and support human services and at-risk youth. What each effort has in common is a thoughtful, deliberate process that reflects a vision and strategy for enhancing communities.

See a snapshot of our community commitment in these recent ads.

We generally support projects with clearly defined parameters and measurable results rather than fundraising events, endowments, capital campaigns, or general operating support. We support qualified nonprofit organizations and do not give grants to individuals. We also prefer to focus our grants and in-kind contributions of equipment in communities where we have employees and facilities.

In 2011 and 2010, employees of Koch companies in Wichita, Kan., provided 375,145 meals to those who are hungy during the annual Fall Food Drive. Read more in Women's Focus.

To apply for a Koch grant, send a brief written request, along with any relevant support information such as a list of Board of Directors, tax status, project budget, annual report, or audited financial statements to:

Community

• Education
• Human Services and At-Risk Youth
• Environmental Stewardship